One of the best ways to experience a new city is through its local cuisine. And while there are certainly opportunities to splurge, dining out in a new city doesn’t always have to be budget-busting. In fact, some U.S. cities serve up unforgettable meals for a fraction of what you’d pay in pricier places, such as New York, where dinner for two averages $145. To highlight the most affordable dining destinations in the U.S., we turned to Numbeo’s cost-of-living data, which ranked dozens of major North American cities based on the average cost of a three-course meal for two at a midrange restaurant. Here are six of the most affordable U.S. cities for dining out in 2025.

6. St. Louis, Missouri

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $70

St. Louis boasts a variety of fun local culinary specialties and regional traditions, such as toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake. The city also has its own unique take on barbecue — try out the sweet and tangy sauces for yourself at Mann Meats, winner of Best BBQ in St. Louis in 2025, according to readers of St. Louis Magazine.

Another local favorite is the pizza. The perfect St. Louis-style slice features an extra-thin, crispy crust that is cut into squares and topped with Provel cheese, a local blend made with cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that was invented in St. Louis in 1947. According to readers of St. Louis Magazine, the best place to try this dish is at Imo’s, a family-owned parlor that claims to be the creator of St. Louis-style pizza.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio (tie)

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $60

USA Today has recognized Cincinnati as one of the country’s top small cities with a big culinary scene — and you don’t have to sacrifice your budget to experience it. If you aren’t familiar with Cincy’s food culture, there’s one dish you must try during your visit: the city’s signature chili. It features meat, bell peppers, and beans, often served over spaghetti noodles or a hot dog. Camp Washington Chili, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, has been serving this classic dish since 1940.

German cuisine is another prominent influence in the city. For an authentic experience, head to the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, originally settled by working-class German immigrants. These days, it boasts a buzzy craft brewery scene, Findlay Market (the oldest continuously operating market in the city), and nearly 50 eateries.

3. Fort Worth, Texas (tie)

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $60

If you’re seeking the most affordable dining options in the Dallas area, head west to Fort Worth. Here, the focus is on steaks, barbecue, and Tex‑Mex dishes. For first-time visitors, a trip to the Stockyards is a must. Witness a daily cattle drive, enjoy two-stepping to live country music, and savor authentic local cuisine.

In addition to a culinary scene rooted in tradition, Fort Worth boasts many innovative chefs who are bringing new ideas to the table. For instance, Michelin-starred Le Margot offers “Tex-France” dishes, and local favorite Teddy Wong’s, an upscale Chinese restaurant, won CultureMap‘s Restaurant of the Year award for 2025.

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (tie)

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $60

Pittsburgh is another city that’s known for its unique culinary traditions, from topping salads with French fries to hosting a festival dedicated entirely to pickles. The city is home to more than a dozen James Beard Award finalists and boasts plenty of international options, but to experience traditional Pittsburgh cuisine, visit the Original Oyster House, the city’s oldest bar and restaurant, established in 1870.

A staple found at many Pittsburgh establishments, from food trucks to fine dining, is pierogi. Brought here by Eastern European immigrants, this dish consists of large dumplings filled with savory or sweet ingredients, from mashed potatoes and cabbage to blueberries and farmer’s cheese. For a unique pierogi-eating experience, head to Church Brew Works, a modern brewpub inside a renovated church.

2. San Antonio, Texas

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $67.50

Despite being one of Texas’ most popular tourist towns, San Antonio is surprisingly affordable when it comes to dining, with an average bill for a two-person meal coming in at under $70.

Traditional Tex-Mex dishes are a staple of the San Antonio culinary scene, and the city was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Be sure to try puffy tacos, a local specialty made by frying fresh masa dough rather than using precooked tortillas. This method creates a thicker taco shell, which San Antonio restaurants like Henry’s Puffy Tacos are famous for.

1. Wichita, Kansas

Average cost of a three-course meal for two: $55

Wichita may not be on your radar to visit, but its diverse food scene will surprise you. Even better, the city is recognized as the most affordable city for dining out in the U.S., with an average bill of just $55 for two people. From burgers and breweries to food trucks, fine dining, and a range of international cuisine options, Wichita truly boasts something for everyone.

For outstanding French cuisine, dine at George’s French Bistro, a 2025 semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. Wichita is also known for its local comfort dishes, including chicken-fried steaks, diner breakfast plates, and locally sourced beef. These dishes are served in classic diners throughout the city — check out highly rated spots such as Doo-Dah Diner and Jimmie’s Diner. And don’t miss out on unique local combinations like chili served with a side of cinnamon rolls, chicken noodle soup atop mashed potatoes, and “bierock,” a flavorful dough pocket of seasoned hamburger, shredded cabbage, and onions. 

About the data: To find the most affordable U.S. cities for dining out, we looked at figures provided by online cost-of-living database Numbeo, which ranked 63 major North American cities based on the average cost of a three-course dinner for two at a midrange restaurant (as opposed to “cheap eats” — a simple meal at a casual restaurant — or fast food). Data is accurate as of writing on September 30, 2025, though frequent updates of Numbeo’s data may lead to some fluctuations. 

After hours of research and hunting for the best deal, you’ve finally settled on the perfect hotel for your getaway. While you can certainly look forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation, it’s important to also take a few minutes to learn the unwritten rules of hotel etiquette to ensure a smooth stay. Here are five hotel etiquette tips any guest should know.

Plan Ahead for Any Special Requests

If you have special requests — such as a crib, accessible room, or early check-in — reach out to the hotel in advance rather than waiting until you arrive. This helps the staff prepare and prevents delays at the front desk. 

Keep in mind that an early check-in is not always guaranteed, especially during busy periods, so have a backup plan if your room isn’t ready. When you arrive, have your ID and reservation details ready to streamline the process — or you can often check in online and skip the wait.

Travel days can be exhausting and hectic, but a little courtesy goes a long way. Simply offering a polite “please” and “thank you” to the hotel staff can set the tone for a positive interaction and a pleasant start to your stay. If you have any concerns or special needs during your visit, a friendly attitude can lead to better service and smoother resolutions.

Be Mindful of Shared Spaces

Hotels are communal spaces, so it’s important to be mindful of how you use shared facilities. For instance, take only what you’ll eat at the breakfast buffet, avoid reserving lounge chairs or gym equipment for extended periods, and return borrowed items such as towels or robes when you’re finished. If an amenity is complimentary, such as coffee or toiletries, take only what you need rather than stockpiling for later.

It’s also considerate to keep conversations, TV volume, and phone calls at a reasonable level, especially in hallways and late at night. In common areas, avoid taking up more space than necessary, clean up after yourself, and follow posted guidelines for amenities such as the pool, breakfast area, and fitness center.

Keep Your Room Tidy

A little consideration can make housekeeping’s job much easier. For instance, try storing personal items off the bed and bathroom counter so staff can clean efficiently. If you want to reuse towels, hang them up. If you need fresh ones, place them in a designated spot, typically in the bathtub or in a corner of the bathroom. 

Most hotels change bedding every few days unless requested otherwise, so if you need fresh sheets sooner, check with housekeeping or the front desk. And if you don’t need housekeeping at all that day, put out the “Do Not Disturb” sign or let the front desk know. Some hotels even offer incentives for skipping daily service, including reward points or dining credits, so check if that’s an option.

Follow Proper Hotel Tipping Etiquette 

In the U.S., tipping hotel staff is customary, while in other countries, service fees may be included in the room charge or tipping may not be expected for cultural reasons. It’s best to check local customs before you travel. That said, you can always use your discretion to tip extra if someone goes above and beyond.

Typically, housekeeping should receive $5 to $10 per day for a tip, left in an obvious spot such as the nightstand with a note indicating it’s for them. Bellhops should be tipped $1 to $5 per bag, and ditto valet attendants who retrieve your car. If a member of staff assists with hailing a cab or carrying luggage, a tip of $1 to $5 is appropriate. Concierge staff who provide special services, such as securing reservations or tickets, should be tipped $10 to $20 depending on the complexity of the request. Room service staff often have gratuity included in the bill, but if not, tipping 15% to 20% is standard.

Be Mindful of Checkout Policies

When it’s time to check out, be mindful of the hotel’s policies and deadlines. If you need a late checkout, it’s helpful to request it ahead of time rather than assuming it’s an option. Leaving your room in a reasonable state — disposing of trash, gathering used towels, and ensuring you haven’t left any belongings behind — makes the process smoother for housekeeping. If something was damaged during your stay, notify the front desk instead of leaving it for them to discover.

Again, courtesy goes a long way as you wrap up your stay. Thanking the staff is a given, and offering useful feedback helps the hotel improve. If a staff member offered particularly great service, you may want to consider recognizing them in a review or mentioning them to management. Positive feedback not only boosts morale but also encourages exceptional service for future guests.

A version of this article originally appeared in our sister publication Interesting Facts.

Airplane cabins are abnormally dry environments, which is why it’s so important to stay hydrated during flights. But given the TSA’s strict liquid limits, bringing full water bottles through airport security isn’t as simple as many travelers would hope. There is, however, one clever work-around that allows you to get past these restrictions and bring a full, standard-size water bottle with you into the terminal. Let’s take a look at this ingenious, yet simple hack below.

An Ice-Cold Solution

When passing through airport security, all liquids — water included — must be in containers that measure 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Standard water bottles, which typically measure 12 ounces or greater, are prohibited under these rules. But there’s an important distinction — the rule only applies if the water is in liquid form, and frozen water bottles are 100% permitted.

A TSA spokesperson confirmed to CNN, “Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening.” The logic behind this decision is that dangerous liquids are very difficult to freeze without an extra refrigerant to keep them cool, so a frozen water bottle on its own is likely safe.

You’ll want to time this carefully, or bring a cooler in the car so the water bottle doesn’t melt on your way to the airport, which would invalidate this hack. The TSA’s website says, “If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.” So if you notice your frozen water bottle has begun to melt while waiting in a long line, you’ll either have to drink it or toss it.

Technically, this hack applies to more than just water. You can also freeze bottles of soda or even skin care products — as long as the liquid stays frozen, it’s permitted. However, don’t freeze anything you’d be sad to throw in the trash, just in case it melts or the TSA agent prohibits it at their discretion.

Also consider that regulations may differ in other countries. For example, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority requires frozen liquids to still adhere to the 3.4-ounce/100-milliliter limit, so be sure to read up on local rules before attempting this hack abroad.

Why Bother?

Let’s be honest:  You may be wondering if this hack is really worth the trouble. Fair. There are plenty of alternatives — you can always bring an empty reusable water bottle to the airport and fill it up at a filling station in the airport, or just purchase a bottle of water at one of the many shops in the terminal after you go through security.

But there are instances when this hack can come in handy. Airport shops charge a premium for their products, which are often priced 10% to 15% higher than street prices, so if you don’t have a portable travel water bottle handy, you can save money by bringing a cheaper bottle of water from home. 

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Whether you bring your own frozen water bottle or not, the most important thing is to remain hydrated whenever you travel. The humidity in a typical airline cabin is much lower than what we’re used to on the ground (around 10% to 20%, compared with 40% to 50%). That often results in eye irritation, dry skin, and other general discomfort. The more water you drink during the journey, the more likely you are to arrive feeling refreshed and jet lag-free.

To prevent dehydration, the Aerospace Medical Association suggests consuming 8 ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air. At the same time, they also recommend avoiding alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks, all of which are likely to dehydrate you more quickly.

We all hope for an on-time departure, but for many travelers, a flight delay is unfortunately a common occurrence. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), just 75.3% of all flights operated by the 14 biggest U.S. airlines in May 2025 arrived at their destinations on time. Therefore, it’s likely that, if you fly a lot, at some point you’ll find yourself cooling your heels in the airport terminal when you expected to be in the air. If that’s the case, you may be wondering if you’re due some form of compensation. So, when do airlines pay you if your flight is delayed? Find out below.

What Causes Flight Delays?

With so many factors influencing an on-time departure, flight delays are often unavoidable. According to the BTS, the biggest causes of tardy arrivals in general were knock-on delays caused by late arriving inbound aircraft, national aviation system delays (including the impact of heavy traffic volumes), and circumstances within the airline’s control, such as technical or crew-related issues.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) says travelers should understand that sometimes delays are unpredictable, and passengers should be aware of “creeping delays” — when a flight’s departure time is pushed back again and again. For example, a maintenance issue that was initially believed to be easily fixable might not be as straightforward once the maintenance team takes a look. In such instances, it pays to know your rights and act decisively to ensure you remain ahead of the pack if rebooking becomes necessary.

When Can You Expect Compensation?

In 2024, the Biden-Harris administration proposed new legislation that gave U.S. passengers impacted by delays the right to compensation. However, this proposed ruling has since been rolled back. While individual airlines have their own procedures and policies regarding delayed flights, there remains no federal requirement to offer compensation or assistance, and the DOT stresses that schedules aren’t guaranteed. 

So, what can you expect if your flight is delayed? The DOT has put together a helpful delay and cancellation dashboard, which clearly lays out the commitments the 10 major U.S. airlines make for “controllable delays.” These types of delays are deemed within an airline’s control, such as crew scheduling issues or cabin cleaning delays, versus uncontrollable events such as weather or air traffic control staffing shortages. The airlines listed on the dashboard are Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United.

Domestic Flights

In the event of a controllable delay, all 10 major U.S. airlines will endeavor to rebook affected passengers on one of their later flights at no additional cost. Six airlines (Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United) will also look for availability on alternative airlines (at no extra cost), which may help you get to your destination sooner. 

If the delay lasts more than three hours, every major U.S. airline will also provide something to eat or give out a meal voucher that can be used in the airport. Nine of the ten (Frontier being the lone exception) will try to arrange complimentary overnight accommodation once they know the flight won’t depart until the following day — and provide the ground transportation to get you there free of charge.

It’s worth noting that, according to the DOT, none of these airlines offers financial compensation to passengers experiencing a delay of three hours or more. Four of them — Alaska, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and Southwest — promise credit or a travel voucher to passengers who are delayed three or more hours from their scheduled departure time. 

However, thanks to new rules implemented in 2024, even if passengers won’t get any additional compensation on top of the price they paid for their ticket, all passengers are entitled to a refund should they wish. This applies if their flight is delayed by three or more hours, regardless if the reason for the delay was within the airline’s control or not.

International Flights

The U.S. is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and as a result, is a signatory to the Montreal Convention. This agreement, made in 1999, gives passengers certain rights when traveling internationally by air to and from any countries that are signatories of the treaty. One aspect of it, Article 19, governs delays. Put simply, you may be eligible for financial compensation unless the airline can prove that it “took all measures that could reasonably be required… or that it was impossible for it or them to take such measures.”

However, the Montreal Convention doesn’t specify a particular compensation amount airlines must pay. Instead, passengers have to prove financial loss or out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the delay (such as being required to pay for an extra hotel night), and there is a cap for delays of about $6,200. 

Flights To and From Europe

If you fly to one of the 27 EU countries on an EU airline, or from an EU country to anywhere on any airline, the path to compensation becomes more clear. 

If your flight is delayed for more than three hours, as defined by the arrival time at your destination, you are due compensation if the delay is deemed within the carrier’s control. This may be a factor in your choice of airline if traveling on transatlantic routes.

The amount of compensation varies and is determined by the distance you’re flying. This is set at €250 (about $290 USD) for up to 1,500 kilometers (932 miles), €400 (about $470) for journeys of between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, and €600 (about $705) for long-haul flights of greater than 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles). These amounts do not apply in the event a delay is deemed due to extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather. 

For these purposes, the EU encompasses its 27 member states, plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. This geographical region also includes dependent territories, including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, Saint-Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. The U.K. operates its own scheme with broadly similar benefits for eligible delayed passengers.

How To Minimize the Impact of Flight Delays

Whether you are owed compensation or some other form of assistance, at the end of the day most travelers simply want to get to their destination as quickly as possible. If there’s a choice of departure times, flying in the morning is often a wise choice — flights are less likely to be delayed due to late inbound arrivals, and that will most likely leave you with more rebooking options than if you plan to depart later in the day. 

Opting to fly direct where possible minimizes the risk of one of your flights affecting another. If you can’t avoid a connection, give yourself plenty of time between each leg and factor in the time it might take you to transfer between gates, particularly if you’re connecting at a major airport or between domestic and international flights. 

At certain times of year, some airports might be more prone to delays than others. Weather is often to blame — for example, storms hit Florida in late summer and early fall, and snow affects places farther north during the winter. Should you have a choice, it may be pertinent to weigh the risk of such adverse conditions and the probability of delays before settling on your route.

The first bans on in-flight smoking in the U.S. popped up in 1987, and by 2000, smoking was fully banned on all U.S. commercial flights. But back in the day, travelers commonly lit up during flights, and “no smoking” signs were essential for letting those flyers know when it was permitted to do so. Given that smoking has been banned on airplanes in the U.S. for over two decades, you might wonder why these illuminated warning signs still exist. But “no smoking” signs on airplanes continue to serve a practical purpose in various ways — here’s a closer look.

A Helpful Reminder

It may be hard to believe that people try to smoke on airplanes today. But in a 2024 interview with The New York Times, retired flight attendant Patty Young confirmed that “people still try to smoke on the airplane,” despite the fact that it’s a safety risk and subjects other people to secondhand smoke. In addition to smoke-producing products, there has been a rise in the use of e-cigarettes and vapes, which have been banned aboard planes since 2016. 

Whatever the reason may be for a passenger attempting to light up on a plane, the “no smoking” signs exist to remind everyone of the rules, just as they’ve done since day one. In a 2024 statement, the Department of Transportation said that these signs “continue to be an effective reminder for the traveling public” — so don’t expect to see them disappear from planes anytime soon.

FAA Regulations

But perhaps the simplest explanation for the continued existence of “no smoking” signs is that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — like other international aviation regulatory bodies — requires them for safety reasons. 

Interestingly, the agency made a subtle tweak to its regulations in late 2024, following an incident earlier that year involving United Airlines temporarily grounding its newly delivered Airbus A321neo planes because the “no smoking” signs couldn’t be switched on or off. Previous FAA rules, enacted in 1990, required that flight crews must be able to manually adjust these signs in order for an aircraft to be airworthy, unless the agency approves an exemption (which United hadn’t requested for that specific aircraft). In response, the FAA updated the obsolete requirement; now, “no smoking” signs on aircraft can stay permanently illuminated.

Protection Against Legal Issues

In a 2024 interview with Thrillist, travel expert Maddi Bourgerie stated that “no smoking” signs also protect airlines against potential legal issues. Theoretically, if the signs didn’t exist, an unruly passenger could light up a cigarette and point to the lack of a “no smoking” sign as a reason why they felt they could. By having signs that are clearly visible and illuminated, the airlines can cover their bases legally if a smoking-related incident occurs on the aircraft.

What About Lavatory Ashtrays?

Given the long-standing ban on in-flight smoking, you may also be wondering why airplane lavatories are still equipped with ashtrays. The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that flights have an ashtray in the bathroom for safety reasons. It’s essentially a backup plan in case a passenger decides to smoke anyway — which often happens in the lavatories to avoid being caught. 

If these receptacles didn’t exist, that person would be forced to throw the cigarette butt into the garbage, which is filled with flammable materials that could easily start a fire in the airplane cabin. According to the official regulation, ashtrays in lavatories “must be fully enclosed, constructed of at least fire-resistant materials, and must contain fires likely to occur in it under normal use.”

Exceptions and Penalties

Outside of the world of commercial aviation, certain private jet operators allow passengers to smoke. In these instances, the “no smoking” sign will be turned on and off by the crew. Typically, smoking is prohibited during riskier parts of the trip such as takeoff, landing, and when there’s turbulence. This allows the crew to focus on proper safety procedures instead of any potential risks associated with in-flight smoking.

On commercial flights, U.S. Congress has authorized the FAA to levy a fine of up to $25,000 for unruly passenger incidents or disobeying crewmember instructions, which includes smoking on planes. However, according to findings from USA Today, the fines that are actually levied are typically far lower than the maximum, from as little as $50 to around $500 per violation.